Editor’s note: Multimedia journalist Logan Hall spoke with Disneyland management while more than 400 Disney cast members rallied outside the theme park. Hall also spoke with economists about ongoing contract negotiations. Click the arrow above to watch the video.
NEW YORK — Thousands of employees at Disney’s theme parks and resort facilities in California voted late Friday to authorize a strike as contract negotiations drag on.
The strike authorization was overwhelmingly approved by nearly 99 percent of union members who voted, according to a union statement. The election was conducted by a coalition of four unions representing 14,000 Disney ride operators, store clerks, janitors, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants and other employees.
Union leaders can now call for a strike if they can’t negotiate a new contract with Disney. Leaders on both sides return to the negotiating table starting Monday.
Union members have been in talks with Disney since April over wage increases, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits.